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In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

Interest in obtaining information and documentation related to the underwriting of new issues of stocks, bonds and securities

INNOVATIVE

Interest in analyzing regulations, terms and conditions to underwrite new issues of stocks and bonds and develop information brochures

DIRECTIVE

Interest in negotiating with corporations and governments to determine the types and terms of new securities issued

Reading Interest Codes

A Quick Guide

The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.

When governments need to raise new capital, they may borrow funds by issuing bonds. The money owed to bond holders is then repaid from taxes and other revenues collected over a number of years. Corporations requiring funds can obtain financing by issuing bonds, debentures or shares. Investment firms that offer underwriting services may buy securities at a fixed price in anticipation of being able to sell them to others, or act as agents.

may assist the issuer in completing a prospectus (a description of the business of the company and the securities being sold) which must be filed with provincial securities commissions before a new issue can be brought to the market

decide whether to place the issue using only the firm's own sales force or to bring in additional companies (which reduces the risk to one company and distributes the issue to a broader clientele)

create bond or debenture issues that will offset the financial requirements identified.

Working Conditions

Updated Dec 16, 2016

Underwriting is a highly specialized occupation that involves working long hours in an office environment, and working under the pressure of constant deadlines. Underwriting staff work apart from the rest of the firm, usually in head offices.

Depending on the firm, a considerable amount of national and international travel may be required.

Strength Required
Lift up to 5 kg

Skills & Abilities

Updated Dec 16, 2016

Investment underwriters need the following characteristics:

energetic and able to learn quickly

good analytical abilities

excellent communication and interpersonal skills

perseverance

the ability to handle many projects at one time

leadership skills

a degree of aggressiveness

the ability to maintain confidentiality.

They should enjoy taking a methodical approach to gathering information, analyzing information and finding innovative solutions to problems, and negotiating with and directing the work of others.

Educational Requirements

Updated Dec 16, 2016

Securities firms hire investment underwriters who have related work experience and at least one of the following qualifications: a master's degree in business administration or management, Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, Chartered Business Valuator (CBV) designation, accounting designation or Law (LLB) degree.

Certification is not required, as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation.

Employment & Advancement

Updated Dec 16, 2016

Many investment firms prefer to train their own underwriting staff rather than hire someone trained elsewhere. Competition for underwriting positions often is keen. On-the-job training may include working for about a year under the supervision of senior underwriting staff, preparing analyses and attending meetings with clients. An apprenticeship period as a junior underwriter follows.

Competition also is keen for opportunities to advance to senior management positions.

Investment underwriters are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 1114: Other financial officers which also includes financial planners, financial examiners and inspectors, financial investigators, trust officers and mortgage brokers. In Alberta, 87% of people employed in this classification work in the Finance, Insurance, Real Estate and Leasing (PDF) industry.

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)

size of the occupation.

Over 11,200 Albertans are employed in the Other financial officers occupational group. This group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.1% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 123 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As investment underwriters form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for investment underwriters.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Swipe left and right to view all data.Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

B: Good Reliability

Data Reliability Code Definition

Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.

Industry Information

Public Administration

ALL INDUSTRIES

Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing

Public Administration

$96,376

ALL INDUSTRIES

$77,878

Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing

$73,412

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years

58%

58%

Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties

18%

18%

Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months

5%

5%

Vacancy Rate

2%

Related High School Subjects

English Language Arts

Mathematics

Business, Administration, Finance and IT

Enterprise and Innovation

Financial Management

Information Processing

Management and Marketing

Related Post-Secondary Field of Study

Business, Management and Administrative Studies

Other Sources of Information

Updated Dec 16, 2016

Canadian Institute to Chartered Business Valuators (CICBV) website: www.cicbv.ca

Updated Jan 17, 2013. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.